Touted as the largest bike park in the Rocky Mountains, the Angel Fire Bike Parkin New Mexico has a reputation as being “built for riders, by riders.” Opened in 2011, it’s one of the few North American locations deemed worthy of hosting a Mountain Bike World Cup race. With a family-friendly vibe, riders of all ages and abilities are welcomed.

This Rider’s Guide will give you info you need to plan a day, or longer, at Angel Fire Bike Park. Bike Park Manager and pro rider, Hogan Koesis, also shares the best trails to hit while you’re there!

PHOTO CREDIT: Angel Fire Bike Park

Trails, Lessons & Rentals

Miles of Trail

Angel Fire Bike Park has 63.5 miles of inbounds, purpose-built, lift-served terrain. In addition, there are 65 miles of cross-country mountain bike trail in the area for a total of 128.5 miles.

Vertical Feet

Over 2,000 vertical feet, beginning at an altitude of 10,677’ and dropping to 8,600’.

Trail Breakdown

Number of Lifts

2 – One surface magic carpet and the Chile Express, a high-speed quad with bike racks on every chair.

Rentals & Lessons

New this season, beginners will want to check out “Ready to Ride”, including a lift ticket, bike, protective gear and a 1.5 hour lesson. Riders start on the magic carpet and proceed from skill station to skill station, learning downhill technique while “getting the jitters out and getting pumped to be on the mountain,” according to Bike Park Manager Hogan Koesis.

Other lesson packages include “Ready to Hit the Lift” and “Ready to Crush It.” A guide service is available for $25 per hour and you can book private lessons, too.

Equipment Rental Prices & Packages

Rental bike packages include a bike and helmet. They range from $134 (premium deluxe DH setup) to $99 (standard DH bike). Half-day rentals are also available. A junior bike and helmet is $59 for a full day and $39 for a half-day.

Protective Gear

A full armor kit is $20 with a bike rental, or $35 without a rental.

Types of Bikes

Recommended Trails

We asked Bike Park Manager Hogan Koesis for the inside story on his favorite bike park trails. Not only is Koesis a pro rider, but he also is the only bike park director in the U.S. with a Professional Trail Builders Association endorsement.

Novice/First Time Bike Park Rider

Without hesitation, Koesis suggests novice riders start with a $49 Ready to Ride lesson. Next stop? Easy Street, a top-to-bottom green trail with banked turns and small rollers. It’s over 7 miles long and a fun adventure.

Intermediate/Experienced Bike Park Rider

Advanced/Expert Bike Park Rider

Four of the best in Koesis’ opinion are Hungry Hippo, Supreme Downhill, Last Call and Candyland.

Don’t Miss Trail

Boulder Dash is the bike park’s signature trail. It’s one of the longest jump trails ever built with over 120 jumps and more than 90 berms. It’s a big, long blue trail.

Best Jump Line

Not surprisingly, Koesis chooses Boulder Dash. He also recommends Hungry Hippo, an advanced trail that is currently being revised and will soon have the best jump line on an advanced trail.

Best Flow Trail

Flow trails can be ridden on either a DH or XC bike, and these trails cater to a wide array of riders. Check out Sierra.

Best Single Track

Koesis picks Enlightenment, the only inbounds uphill trail in the park and the South Boundary Trail, a 30-mile cross-country trail from Angel Fire to the historic town of Taos, through the Carson National Forest.

What Makes Angel Fire Special

In addition to being the largest bike park in the Rocky Mountains, Angel Fire Bike Park is built on clay soils that compact and hold up well, with little erosion. The Angel Fire Bike Park has an extra long season, generally opening in mid-May and closing in mid-October. Because the resort is on private land, there are no barriers to designing and cutting new trails, all of which are designed locally for a unique, one-of-a-kind experience.

Bike Park Pricing:

If you’re dying to hit the trails every weekend, grab the Global Gravity Pass (only $299) and enjoy unlimited riding during the 2016 Bike Park season . In addition, this pass includes free entry to the 6th Annual Gravity Games in early September, discounts on lodging and 3 free lift tickets for Evolution Bike Park in Crested Butte, Colorado.

Other Summer Activities

Where to Stay

Angel Fire recently opened a multi-million dollar RV resort complete with a clubhouse and recreational facilities. On-site camping is also available as are rooms in the Angel Fire Lodge. Check out the online Stay and Ride, Stay and Zipline, Stay and Play (golf) and Tennis Stay and Play packages.

Where to Eat

Summit Smoke Haus (lunch only, on-mountain), Village Haus, Sunset Grill and Elements, at the Country Club.

Best Value Play for Food and Drinks

Legends in the Angel Fire Lodge.

Best Place for a Beer

Enchanted Circle Brewery or Pub and Grub. If you prefer cocktails with a view, gaze upon Wheeler Peak while relaxing at Elements.

PHOTO CREDIT: Angel Fire Bike Park

Where to Park

Park at the base of the resort hotel, near the Chile Express. Everything in Angel Fire is in walking (or riding) distance and there is a shuttle to the Country Club.

Where to Recover and Relax

While the hotel has hot tubs, you can book spa treatments at the local Sage Spa or find more spa options in Taos, just 25 minutes away.

There are also several hot springs near Taos, including full-service Ojo Caliente (1.5 hours from Angel Fire) and undeveloped, hike-in hot springs closer to Taos.

Airports

The closest commercial airports are Santa Fe (1.5 hours) and Albuquerque (3 hours). There is a private aviation airport 3 miles from Angel Fire.